Introduction
Correct Quran recitation depends heavily on pronouncing each Arabic letter from its exact point of articulation, known in Tajweed as Makhraj (plural: Makharij). Many beginners ask how many Makhraj are there in Tajweed, since understanding this number helps structure their learning journey. This guide breaks down the exact number of Makharij, the five main regions they come from, and why mastering them matters for accurate recitation.
Quick Answer: How Many Makhraj Are There in Tajweed?
According to the majority of Tajweed scholars, there are 17 Makharij (articulation points) in total, grouped into 5 main areas of the mouth and throat. Some scholars count slightly differently, with totals ranging between 16 and 17, depending on how certain closely related points are grouped.
The 5 Main Areas of Makharij
1. Al-Jawf (The Oral Cavity)
This is considered the source of the three long vowel letters: Alif (ا), Waw (و), and Ya (ي), when they extend a sound rather than originate from a fixed point in the mouth or throat.
2. Al-Halq (The Throat)
The throat contains three separate articulation points, producing six letters in total:
- Upper throat: ء (Hamza), ه (Ha)
- Middle throat: ع (Ain), ح (Ha)
- Lower throat: غ (Ghain), خ (Kha)
3. Al-Lisan (The Tongue)
The tongue is the largest source of articulation points, containing 10 separate Makharij and producing 18 different letters, including ق (Qaf), ك (Kaf), ج (Jeem), ش (Sheen), ي (Ya), ض (Dad), ل (Lam), ن (Noon), ر (Ra), ط (Ta), د (Dal), ت (Ta), ص (Sad), ز (Za), س (Seen), ظ (Za), ذ (Thal), and ث (Tha).
4. Ash-Shafatain (The Two Lips)
The lips produce four letters: ف (Fa), ب (Ba), م (Meem), and و (Waw, when pronounced as a consonant rather than a vowel).
5. Al-Khaishoom (The Nasal Cavity)
This point produces the nasal sound (Ghunnah) that occurs with Noon and Meem when they carry a shaddah, or in specific Tajweed rules like Ikhfa and Idgham with Ghunnah.
Why the Exact Number of Makharij Matters
Understanding how many Makharij exist, and where each one is located, helps students pronounce Arabic letters with precision rather than approximation. Many common Quran reading mistakes stem from mixing up letters that originate from nearby points in the mouth or throat, something that becomes far easier to avoid once the Makharij are clearly understood.
Common Mistakes Related to Makharij
- Confusing similar-sounding letters that come from nearby articulation points (such as ت and ط, or س and ص)
- Producing throat letters too softly or too harshly
- Not fully utilizing the correct lip position for letters like ف, ب, and م
- Skipping focused Makharij practice and moving too quickly into full recitation
How to Practice Makharij Effectively
- Practice one letter at a time in isolation before combining it into words.
- Use a mirror to observe your mouth and lip movement for accuracy.
- Compare closely related letters side by side to notice the difference.
- Practice under a qualified teacher who can correct subtle mistakes you might not notice yourself.
Master Makharij with a Certified Tajweed Teacher
Understanding the Makharij in theory is only the first step, correct pronunciation requires guided, hands-on practice. Our online Quran classes offer structured Tajweed lessons with certified male and female teachers, one-on-one sessions, and flexible timing suited for students of all ages and levels.
Book a free trial class today and master the Makharij of Arabic letters with expert guidance.